Heave Ho! To Hever Castle

Springwood is the perfect location for visiting a variety of interesting and iconic places in the south of England. Hever Castle is one such place, and at just 16 miles away (a 30 minute drive) is situated on the Kent/Surrey/Sussex border within 125 acres of private grounds.

The original medieval defensive Hever Castle with its gatehouse and walled bailey was built in 1270. It was the childhood of Anne Boleyn (born 1501) who was Henry VIII’s second wife and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I (born 1533).

“It was Henry’s love for Anne and her insistence that she became his wife rather than his mistress that led to the King renouncing Catholicism and creating the Church of England”.

However, Anne was beheaded on 19 May 1536 in order for King Henry VIII to marry Jane Seymour – just eleven days after the death of his second wife!

The double-moated castle was then owned by a number of well-connected families but eventually fell into decline until the wealthy American, William Waldorf Astor, restored and extended the Castle in the early 20th century.

It is recommended that visitors allow an hour to tour the Castle; many of the rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, and an important collection of Tudor paintings. Two beautifully illuminated prayer books can be seen in the Book of Hours Room which belonged to Anne Boleyn and bear her inscriptions and signature. One is believed to be the prayer book Anne took with her to her execution at the Tower. Another section of the Castle is dedicated to its more recent history, containing pictures and memorabilia relating to the Astor family and the Edwardian period.

It is recommended that visitors allow at least an hour-and-a-half to visit HeverGardens as seasonal changes guarantee a breath-taking display whatever the weather! There are different themes throughout the grounds:

Explore four acres of Italian Gardens with the long sweeping lawns and tall clipped yew hedges, bordered by two twelve foot high walls made from local stone. The Pompeiian Wall contains small bays showcasing antiquities in stone and marble enveloped with shrubs and climbing plants. The Pergola Walk has shaded grottoes planted with ferns and moisture loving plants. The Italian Gardens also boast a Sunken Garden, a Loggia flanked by pillared colonnades and overlooking the 38-acre lake, as well as a piazza with its classical sculpture inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

The Rose Garden contains 4000 rose bushes and was featured on BBC2 Gardeners’ World in 2013. Among the garden’s many admirers is Dame Judi Dench, who launched Hever Castle’s very own floribunda rose – Horquinsey – in 2011.

The Tudor Garden was laid out as it may have been in the time of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, with a variety of English Herbs.

The Chess Garden is so named for the topiary chess pieces cut from golden yew.

The Blue Corner is a rockery garden which includes blue hydrangeas, ceanothus and blue seasonal perennials such as blue bulbs, scilla, grape hyacinth and the ‘King of the Blues’ hyacinth with its intoxicating scent. Annuals and biennials include heliotrope, ageratum and forget-me-not.

Two Sisters’ Lawn is also the site for the Hever Festival Theatre.

Hever Lake is 38 acres in size and was excavated and constructed between December 1904 and July 1906 under the instruction of William Waldorf Astor. A peaceful one hour’s walk around the lake is the perfect opportunity to spot owls, blue tits, robins, woodpeckers and kingfishers. Swans, ducks, herons and crested grebes can also be seen on the moat or the lake.

Other walks include the Sunday Walk and Church Gill Walk and were created by Astor in a very different style to the formal areas of the Gardens as they follow the meandering stream in a circular walk that leads to Hever Church and would have been the route the family took to church each Sunday.

Why not book a few days break at Springwood and enjoy a relaxing, peaceful and comfortable stay whilst being able to easily visit some of England’s most important heritage sites. Call us now!

What people have said…

Great for the airport and handy for London. The Art Deco in the bedrooms is fantastic. Really hospitable owners, even free transfers.
Sue Ringle

I can highly recommend

We’ve stayed here the night before we fly to the sunshine state for the last 3 years. Springwood is a credit to all the hard work Sue and Lee have put in, particularly the art decor interior. We’ve already booked again for next year!

J Lewis

We have used Springwood for several years for all our flights from Gatwick. We use their on-site parking service and airport shuttle. The art deco themed decoration with much original period furniture is a memorable touch.

Elizabeth C

We use Springwood regularly when flying from Gatwick. The service is always so friendly and helpful and Sue and Lee have gradually refurbished the house to the excellent standard it is today. Nothing to fault!

David B

Highly recommend if you are using Gatwick and even if just wanting a short stay as the local area was very nice with several places nearby for food etc. Excellent service and a great start to our holiday.

Rory P

You’ve taken a lot of care to to get your place right, well done. Great stay.

John & Pauline L

So many lovely touches. Very comfortable overnight stay. Love the decor.

Anne & Brian H

5* A lovely welcome and stay.- Thank-you

Steve & Maggie K

We stayed at the charming Art Deco Springwood prior to flying to Barcelona and had a beautiful bedroom with a fantastic huge bathroom. We were collected within five minutes when we returned. We will surely stay there again.

Susan Bright

I’ve stayed here twice now and wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. This is the best way to start and finish your holiday. Springwood has the perfect formula which works well and I will definitely use them again if I fly from Gatwick.

Jacqueline W

9/10 rating from The Telegraph

"Guests are assured a friendly, professional welcome and international visitors can relax in the knowledge that owner Sue has all bases covered in terms of airport transportation and local tips."